Birds of the Caatinga

Updated on January 6, 2016

Birds of the Caatinga

When people generally think of birds in Brazil, most think of brightly colored parrots soaring em masse above the rainforest trees. True in the Pantanal there are many birds to be seen that are spectacular but although not as well known, the Caatinga in Northeastern Brazil also has a wide variety of species.

The Caatinga is the area where I currently live on a small farm of 8 acres and we have recorded over 100 different species of birds. Seventeen of which have nested in our garden.

Although, perhaps not as brightly colored as some from the rainforest, this region has its fair share of unusual birds for those who are observant and patient. It is the birds from this region that I would like to share with you today.

Below is a photo of an Atlantic Kingfisher which my husband shot from a hide. The kingfisher knew my husband was there because it heard the camera and turned and stared straight at him. My husband was hidden behind a camouflage net he had erected. This was taken about 30 feet from our front door.

All the photographs, unless otherwise stated, were taken by my husband. All rights reserved.

Amazon Kingfisher

Amazon Kingfisher | Source

Kingfishers in Brazil

This is just one of the three species of kingfishers we have. We see at least one daily either hovering above the lake, diving or sitting on the posts preening.

Although normally wary of humans, I have had one dive within 4 feet of me, whilst I was doing work on a tilapia cage, from a kayak.

Often we will find fish scales beneath a tree. This will be where the kingfisher has coughed up a pellet of things such as fish scales and bones that weren't digested.

Caatinga Region of Brazil | Source

What is the Caatinga

The Caatinga pronounced (caa tinga) is a Tupi Indian word meaning white forest. This area covers 8 states in northeastern Brazil, as seen on the map. The weather in this region is hot and dry or hot and wet. Often the scrub land plants will lose all their leaves appearing to be dead and only when the rainy season comes do things return to being green.

I have witnessed this here on our farm. After a sharp rainstorm, you can almost instantly see a shade of green appearing.

Although there are humid forests within this region, most is low scrub land with deciduous bushes and thorny shrubs. At times it appears a most inhospitable place for birds and other wildlife.

In the interior, farmers often resort to feeding their cattle cactus which grows in abundance just to sustain them until the rainy season begins again.

Bird watching in Brazil

Birdwatching is one of the most popular past times in many countries. Here it is something which has become a daily activity for us.

For me, I merely watch them but my husband prefers to photograph them. For this he has developed his own style and make-shift equipment.

One of the most useful things we have is the camouflage net. He will move this to various locations depending on which type of bird he is photographing.

The photo to the right, needs some explaining. This is the wall of our lake. What you are looking at are coconuts placed along the wall. The reason for this is my husband leaves these there so that when he wishes to photograph birds at the water's edge, he creeps down to the wall and uses these as a make-shift camera rest.

As luck would have it, these coconuts resemble my husband's balding head, and therefore when he is lying beside them, the birds don't see anything amiss.

The Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The Great Egret with a frog | Source

The Great Egret

The Great Egret is also a frequent visitor to our lakes. Normally it is here first thing in the morning and then again about 4pm. Although normally looking for fish, this egret found a tasty frog hiding in the long grass.

The availability of water brings many different birds including grebes, ducks, stilts, jacanas, herons, and more.

Encouraging bird life

We do much to encourage wildlife here in our area. We have planted more trees that are suitable for nesting. We also keep some areas long and uncut whilst other areas are kept short and irrigated.

Some birds such as egrets and herons will move through long grass looking for food and yet others, such as those in the flycatcher family, prefer the shorter grass where they can easily spot insects.

Domestic animals are kept to a minimum. We noticed we had a sharp decline in wild water fowl when we had geese. As much as I liked having geese, we are aiming for a natural reserve for animals.

This is the same for chickens. If those are left to be free range, they will eat the insects that the wild birds thrive on.

Smooth Billed Ani (Crotophaga ani )

The Smoothed Bill Ani

These birds are one of my favorites here. I often open the door in the morning to see a dozen or so of them on the lawn. They are community nesters which means they have one nest between many birds. There may be a dozen eggs in the nest. Some won't hatch but the adults will take turns sitting on the nest and they all pitch in to feed the young ones.

If you've ever questioned whether birds and dinosaurs are linked, you only have to watch these birds. They are very dinosaur like. The hard surface on their beaks, we believe, is for assisting in rooting through bushes and plants in search of food. Normally at least one of the group will keep watch whilst the others hunt for food.

Resident and migratory birds in Brazil

We have resident birds and others that migrate through. Late in the year, as the interior of the country becomes dry, we get an influx of birds which come here and nest. Then when the rainy season begins they will return to where they came from.

We have had drought conditions now for two years and have seen the impact that this has had on the bird population. We aren't seeing birds that we commonly saw just a few years ago. One of the main sources of food for two species, the Limpkin and the Snail Kite, is snails. Due to many lakes completely drying out, the snail population has been drastically reduced and as such the birds which rely on this as their only food source also has been reduced.

Different bird species

How many species of birds do you see around your home and neighborhood?

Ways to encourage birds to your garden

You don't have to move to the tropics to attract more birds to your garden. There are things you can do that will draw birds to your area.

Plant trees and hedges suitable for nesting

Provide food, peanuts, seeds, fruit

Ensure a constant supply of water

Place nesting boxes in a suitable place

Keep rowdy children and animals in check

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Glittering Throated Emerald Hummingbird | Source

Black Necked Stilt | Source

Water tyrant | Source

White Faced Whistling Duck | Source

Waders in Brazil

The Striated HeronThe heron, which visits our lakes frequently, is always enjoyable to watch. The rapid reactions and concentration are something to behold.

The Wattled JacanaThis beautiful wading bird is a daily visitor here at our home in Brazil. Their wide feet allow them to walk on the surface of the water across lilies giving them the name 'Jesus Birds'.

Lovely pictures, and what a great narration to go with them! I really enjoyed this article so much. Thank you. I hope your piece of the earth is forever preserved.

annart 3 years ago from SW England

What beautiful photos! I love the symmetry of the kingfisher. Herons are among my favourites; we see them in the rhynes (irrigation ditches) around us in the Somerset levels.

Birds are so entertaining and the variation is constantly fascinating. You are so lucky to have this lot around you. The set-up for taking photos is brilliant. Love the coconut/bald head story! Great to read of your experiences and to see these lovely creatures.

Voted up, interesting and beautiful. Ann

Blond Logic 3 years ago from Brazil Author

Hello Moonlake,

I too love birdwatching but I leave the photographing of them to my husband. I am not quick enough. My role is now, the spotter. If I see something new, a nest or a different bird, he grabs the camera.

Glad you enjoyed the hub, thank you for your vote.

Blond Logic 3 years ago from Brazil Author

Hello Paradise,

I am pleased you enjoyed the photos.

Not a day passes that my husband doesn't take photos of the birds. When we lived in the UK we had to drive to open areas to see them, now we simply open the door.

Blond Logic 3 years ago from Brazil Author

Hi Ann,

We do enjoy watching the birds. It is like a free show when we are outside.

Currently we have some blue-gray tanagers nesting about 6 feet from our patio. Yesterday my husband was photographing them feeding their two chicks. To think when we were in the UK we had to drive to a location and often use binoculars to see them. We truly appreciate having this opportunity to live so close to such a variety.

I am pleased you enjoyed the hub and photos, thank you for the votes.

teaches12345 3 years ago

Living in Florida, we see a large variety of birds on any given day. It is a migration path from the north to the south. I enjoyed your sharing on this topic. I would love to see the Kingfisher. Your husband is very clever using the coconuts as a disguise to photograph these lovely creatures.

Blond Logic 3 years ago from Brazil Author

Hello Teaches,

We get much pleasure from watching the daily habits of our feathered friends. I think we are both lucky to live in such wonderful places with a rich bio-diversity of plant and animal life.

Thank you for you comment.

aviannovice 3 years ago from Stillwater, OK

These are all wonderful birds. Thanks for the introduction to your common birds.

TarrinLupo 2 years ago from Peterborough NH

Those are some cool birds, a lot of these guys I have never heard of.

Blond Logic 2 years ago from Brazil Author

Hi Aviannovice,

Thank you for taking time out to read and comment. I am pleased you enjoyed it.

Blond Logic 2 years ago from Brazil Author

Hello Tarrin,

Although common in this part of the world, I too had never heard of many before arriving here.

Thanks for your visit.

Nellieanna 2 years ago from TEXAS

What a great overview of these interesting birds in such an exotic place! Birds are wonderful to watch and each area has its own specialties! My remote ranch near the Mexican border in southwestern Texas semi-arid-canyon country has some fascinating varieties, as well as a trail of migrating ones, since water is scarce and my compound's storage tank is welcoming and available!

Blond Logic 2 years ago from Brazil Author

Hello Nellie Anna,

We too are in a dry area and I believe it is the availability of water which brings them in. We enjoy watching them and feel privileged to have seen as many as we have. We recently saw a new arrival the common waxbill. Although common, as the name implies, it is the first time we have seen them here in our 5 years. The changes in the climate takes some away and brings others.

Thank you taking the time to read and comment, I am glad you enjoyed it.